Legal Sector Specialist and Assistant Project Accountant Jobs in Kenya - GoK / DFID Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project

Republic of Kenya

Ministry of Finance

Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project

Vacancy Notice

The Government of Kenya (GoK) in conjunction with the World Bank and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) jointly the Development Partners, initiated in June 2005, a Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project (FLSTAP).

The Project aims to create a sound financial system and strengthened legal framework and to enhance judicial capacity that will ensure improved access to quality financial and related legal and judicial services.

These objectives will be achieved through provision of technical expertise and building capacity to implement GoK’s financial sector reform programme as well as supporting implementation of the legal and judicial sector related strategies and activities.

The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is looking for highly motivated Kenyans for a one year contract to fill the positions of:

1. Legal Sector Specialist

1 Post

The role of the Specialist is to provide technical expertise for the effective implementation of the legal and judicial sector reform components of the FLSTAP.

The Specialist will also offer technical support to the planning of the legal and judicial sector components and activities, and provide on-going guidance during project implementation to achieve the project’s developmental objectives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Working FLSTAP Implementing Agencies to assess project requirements, priorities and implementing the FLSTAP work plan and be responsible for reporting on progress in implementation of the work plan to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the World Bank.
• Ensure close coordination with development partners supporting FLSTAP Implementing Agencies to ensure alignment of support for the legal sector components.
• Consult with development partners and other stakeholders on legal and judicial reform generally and gather insights to better inform the project.
• Prepare regular briefings to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs Department on all the required legal reforms in the financial sector.
• Participate in all the PSC meetings.
• Support the Procurement Specialist in the efficient and effective procurement and management of Contracts for goods and services provided under the FLSTAP.
• Review all studies and technical reports to ensure adherence to the terms of reference and quality standards (prior to payment of consultants commissioned by FLSTAP), and
• Assist the implementing agencies carry out the legal sector reforms in tracking the appropriate indicators for their activities consistent with the Project Results Monitoring Framework.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Economic Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Project Manager.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Candidates for this position should be highly experienced professionals with a successful track record of providing high level legal sector policy advice and/or support.

In addition, the Specialist will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of legal and judicial reform in Kenya or other developing countries.
• knowledge and experience in commercial and/or financial law
• more than 10 years of relevant experience
• a minimum of a degree in law and relevant professional and postgraduate qualifications
• Experience in the public service or in the implementation of donor – funded projects is preferable.
• Good analytical, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and able to work in a team

2. Assistant Project Accountant

1 Post

Reporting to the Financial Management Specialist, the scope of work of the Assistant Project Accountant will be to assist the Financial Management Specialist (FMS) in handling all financial matters. Be custodian of all financial documents and information.

Tasks to be performed:

• Manage the computerised Accounting System under the control of the FMS.
• Preparation of all payment vouchers in accordance with the Government guidelines and in line with World Bank guidelines issued from time to time.
• Maintaining the Cash Book and Petty Cash Book for Project Expenses and Receipts. Making payments though issuance of Cheques and Cash.
• Ensure Petty Cash reimbursement is done on a timely manner.
• Keeping the Vote Book up-to date through daily posting of expenses and commitments.
• Preparation of Journal entries for posting into the General Ledger.
• Preparation of monthly Bank reconciliations.
• Assist FMS to prepare monthly payroll for staff.
• Assist FMS to prepare annual Budget and Revised Budget as per the approved work plan.
• Preparation of Cash Flow forecasts.
• Assist FMS to prepare annual financial statements and other quarterly financial reports including Financial Monitoring Report.
• Preparation of supporting documents for withdrawal applications sent to World Bank.
• Follow up with Ministry of Finance for replenishment of Project Account.
• Custodian of payment vouchers for the Project.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the FMS.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Have a minimum three (3) years experience in a busy accounting office and demonstrated knowledge of public sector finance.
• CPA Part 2 with demonstrated knowledge of public sector finance and a minimum five (5) years experience in a busy accounting office may also be considered.
• Should have a first degree in Finance or Accounting or have CPA (K) qualifications Possess high level of integrity and responsibility.
• Should have good analytical, organizational skills and communication skills.
• Should be computer literate and have knowledge of basic software packages and accounting packages (Ms Word, Excel, Quickbooks etc)
• Two (2) years experience working on a World Bank-funded Project or other donor funded project would be an added advantage.

Applications to be sent (curriculum vitae with details of your qualifications, experience, day and evening telephone numbers, email address and names of three referees) so as to reach the undersigned on or before 13th March 2012.

Project Manager,
Project Implementation Unit
Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project
P.O Box 34542 - 00100
7th Floor, Anniversary Towers, North Tower
Building No.19 Monrovia Street/University Way,
Nairobi, Kenya.

Procurement Specialist, FLSTAP
For: Financial Secretary